The MODFLOW Management Module for VIEWLOG provides a complete set of pre- and post-processing functions for the USGS MODFLOW and MODPATH groundwater flow models (a comprehensive water budget utility is also included). The MODFLOW Management Module is fully integrated with VIEWLOG, and builds on the well database, geologic modelling, mapping, cross-section and 3-D tools within VIEWLOG.

The MODFLOW module is not just a weak set of import/export tools, but a powerful suite of ground-breaking tools for groundwater model data management. This module is based on over 10 years of work with MODFLOW, including over 100 modelling projects and thousands of model simulation runs.

This module addresses the modelling process from
a data-driven approach. VIEWLOG recognizes that with today’s powerful computers and fine-model grids, data management and processing are the most critical aspects of any modelling project. Today’s modelers need database, mapping, gridding and contouring tools that are not simply targeted at a single model simulation. Complex model geometry, fine model grids and transient simulations demand a new level of data integration and management.

Multi-Simulation Support

VIEWLOG manages gridded parameter data in a manner that is independent of MODFLOW. Gridded VIEWLOG parameters are linked to the standard MODFLOW file inputs. This approach recognizes that a modelling project is made up of multiple simulations, often with only small changes in input parameters. This vastly simplifies the management of a complex set of simulations, because there is no need to duplicate the common input parameters. In addition, there is no difference between input and output gridded parameters, so outputs from one simulation can be easily used as an input to the next. There is no limit to the number of gridded parameters that can be managed in one VIEWLOG Project.

Multiple Active Grids

VIEWLOG also supports multiple active grids within the same project. This simplifies the transition from regional-scale down to local-scale modelling, as both regional-and local-scale grids can be active at the same time. In addition, the VIEWLOG grid equation processor can be used to develop equations that span multiple grids. This makes translating gridded information from one grid to another very simple, no matter how the grids differ in cell configuration.

It is also important to note that VIEWLOG is based on MODFLOW compatible "Block Centered", variable cell sizes. This is very important, because other gridding and contouring packages (e.g., Surfer) can only work with a uniform cell size, node-centered, grids. VIEWLOG offers the following advantages:

Cells are only added where necessary (grid refinement).

Interpolation is done to the centre of the cell.

No "translation" between grids is necessary (no "smearing" of gridded data).

Contouring is performed directly on the model results (no re-interpolation).

VIEWLOG also fully supports grid refinement, so gridded parameter values are preserved when the grid is refined.

Assigning Properties

VIEWLOG includes polygon attribute management functions that provide true "grid independence" for data parameters. These tools allow the user to assign model properties to user-drawn polygons, then "map" (or assign) those properties to cells. This provides all the attribute management functionality of a GIS, yet is fully integrated with the gridding and contouring functions. Attributes are mapped in vertical sequence, so overlapping polygons are handled correctly and there is no need to maintain a polygon topology network. Functions are also available for individual assignment and editing of cell values.

MODFLOW BCF/BAS Compatibility

VIEWLOG can import any MODFLOW data set (BCF/BAS files), making it easy to load existing model simulations into VIEWLOG. VIEWLOG generates standard MODFLOW and MODPATH input files (BAS/BCF, river and stress package files), so you can use your existing tools and knowledge along with VIEWLOG. The MODFLOW Module for VIEWLOG includes compiled 32-bit Windows version of MODFLOW, MODPATH and a water budget program BUDPRN. These fully support multi-tasking under Windows, and allow the user to continue working in VIEWLOG while the model is running.